Today marks the 80th birth anniversary of Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, a Bangladeshi writer, television presenter, organiser and activist. He is currently the Chairman of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, a non-profit organisation that promotes the study of literature, reading habits and progressive ideas.

In mid-1970s, he started presenting Shaptabarna (Seven Colors), a show on Bangladesh Television. In 1978, he founded Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. Some of his books include Amar Ashabad (2009), Amar Boka Shoishob (2010), Amar Uposthapok Jibon (2008), Bhalobashar Shampan (2007), Bidaye, Obonti (2005), Bisrosto Journal (2007), Bisrostro Journal (2015), Bishwo Shahitto Kendro O Ami (2007) and Bohe Joloboti Dhara (2006).

Professor Sayeed also earned the 97th Ramon Magsaysay Award in Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts. He has received numerous other awards throughout his career, including the National Television award (1977), Mahbub Ullah Trust Award (1998), Ekushey Padak (2005), Bangla Academy Award (2011) and Star Lifetime Award on Education (2016), among others. He has written and edited more than 50 books.

As an activist, Sayeed also devotes his time to attend to environmental issues. Today, Professor Sayeed’s Bishwo Shahitto Kendro offers programmes in the arts and possesses a film and music library. He dreams of cultivating an enlightened new generation of Bangladeshi citizens whose values and understanding of other cultures are enriched by reading.